New AAP Guidelines: No Fruit Juice For Babies Under 12 Months

New guidelines have been launched from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and they are stating that parents should refrain from offering juice to their babies that are under 12 months, unless told so by their family doctor. The previous rule set within the guidelines was to wait until six months, but with an increase in concerns over cavities and obesity, these recommendations were changed to reflect such issues. This is the first time the fruit juice guidelines have been changed by the AAP since 2001.

CNN reported that according to notes on the policy statement, teens and children are still the top demographics of juice/juice drinks across the United States. Still, the APP remains a supporter of juice that is 100 percent ‘fresh’ or reconstituted, stating that it can be a beneficial beverage option when it comes to diet for those kiddos one years’ of age or older. It’s important to note that any food, healthy or likewise, should be consumed in moderation.

Still, the guidelines encourage to limit juice intake by four ounces each day for kiddos between one to three years of age. It is also encouraged to give your toddler juice in a cup, versus a box or bottle; as this can make it an easy way for them to drink up that juice, all day long.
Alternative kids four to six years old should not drink more than four to six ounces of juice each day. Kiddos that are seven to 18 years of age shouldn’t have more than eight ounces – equivalent to one cup – of juice. The daily cup can help with their advised two to two-and-a-half cups of fruit intake needed daily.

As well, the AAP guideline does not advise unpasteurized juice, adding that grapefruit juice should not be given to kids that take specific meds, as it could interrupt what the medicine was set out to do. These medications include: amitriptyline, ibuprofen, warfarin, flurbiprofen, phenytoin, and fluvastatin.

Lastly, the AAP states that parents should avoid offering fruit juice when it comes to a child that is suffering diarrhea or dehydration.

Still, while juice should be limited to the daily recommendations of the Academy’s guidelines, it can be beneficial at times, especially when a child is dealing with constipation; that’s when the apple or prune juice should be reached for an encouraged. However, while circumstances vary, following the guidelines on a day-to-day basis is highly recommended.